Bridal makeup is often about enhancing your natural beauty, which leaves little room for artistic exploration. However, your wedding day might not be the best time to try a bold red lip or smoky eye if it’s not your usual style. But why not have some fun with your wedding manicure? Your nails are a small canvas that can make a significant impact, so don’t feel restricted to a simple pinkish-nude polish. Below, 20 creative ideas for wedding and bridal nail art, including options with pearls, rhinestones, and even a touch of blue.
Shattered Glass
Inspired by the Jewish wedding tradition of breaking a glass, this nail design mimics the look of shattered glass. Despite its dramatic appearance, it can look surprisingly subtle in photos.
Minimal Graphic
Prefer something minimalist and graphic? You can’t go wrong with pure white nails adorned with abstract shapes.
Flower Power
Hand-painted white flowers are a pretty and easy-to-wear option for your wedding day.
Blooming Roses
If roses are a part of your wedding decor, why not incorporate them into your manicure? This rose-inspired design is a beautiful option.
Gold-Dusted French
Swap the classic French manicure for this version: a peachy pink base with a tip striped with rose gold glitter so thin, only your partner-to-be can see it.
Classic Vintage
The perfect manicure for a vintage-inspired wedding, this design features delicate florals painted on a soft pink background.
Pearl Perfection
Adding a few pearls to a sheer pink base is a stunning and simple option for brides.
Half Heart Tips
A muted pink manicure with heart-shaped tips is a sweet and subtle way to incorporate a touch of romance.
Subtlety in Detail
For those hesitant to commit to a bold nail art design, try adding a small, understated detail to one nail, like a tiny white heart.
Gold Bow
Struggling to incorporate something Red? Look no further than your nails. We love this design featuring a Gold bow for added elegance.
Lace-Inspired
For a truly unique manicure, find a nail artist who can recreate the exact lace pattern of your wedding dress on your nails.
Multiple Stone Glam
Add three rhinestone to each nail for a simple yet glamorous touch to a traditional wedding manicure.
Vintage Blooms
Bring your bouquet to your nails by having your nail artist hand paint delicate vintage-inspired takes of your favorite florals.
Short and Sweet
Short nails can rock nail art too! This graphic design is perfect for brides planning a modern wedding.
Modern French
A minimal French manicure is always a great choice for a bride, but this cool take incorporates a stripe of dark green on the tip.
Starburst Sparkle
A base with fine lines traced in abstract lines and starburst patterns, finished off with a three-dimensional gold appliqué, creates a subtle yet impactful look.
Donut Dreams
The glazed donut nail trend is here to stay. Done in shades of lilac, pink, and rose, it makes for the perfect elevated wedding day manicure.
Peaceful Pearls
Miniature pearls are a perfect addition to any bridal manicure, but we particularly love this message of peace from nail artist Beti stein.
Matte Florals
A more modern take on flowers, this matte-on-matte raised floral look is both elegant and contemporary.